Pitti Uomo
Kicking 2018 off in style, the ICW design team took a trip to Pitti Uomo in Florence, the biggest menswear show in the world, to gather inspiration from the latest emerging trends and innovations in menswear design.
The Overcoat
Practical outer layer or statement fashion accessory? Why not both! One of the most statement items noted at the show was the overcoat, worn en masse across a remarkably diverse range of men and women alike. Classic tan and navy were widely evident as were notably bright colours right across the spectrum, adopted as dapper accessories to contrasting coloured suits.
Formal and casual mix
Tradition meets technical as a diverse mix of formal and casual styles are paired together. Classic style with sporty accents suggest the active modern business man. Styles particularly draw on outdoor influences; formal trousers tucked into hiking socks and boots, suit jackets layered with waterproofs. For the more practically-minded customer a harmony between formal and casual design can suggest a practical and prepared employee whilst still presenting a professional and smart image.
Finland Guest Nation brand Formal Friday
Embodying the pairing between contemporary innovation and classic design is Scandinavian brand Formal Friday. With a focus on simplicity of design with exemplary quality, the menswear label brings sporty influences to modern suiting solutions and casual menswear. In today’s market it is ICW’s priority to translate tradition into a contemporary era, producing forward-thinking design solutions.
Patterned Suiting
Whether pinstripes or checks, houndstooth or tartan, patterned suiting got a vote of popularity in all variations and colours.
Athleisure
A booming trend at Pitti Uomo this year, athleisure is a style driving change, with increasingly technical fabrics and futuristic design. Customers increasingly prioritise comfort and opting for a casual look creates a more approachable image and makes the wearer feel more comfortable in a contemporary setting. Bringing a sports influence also has the added benefits of often producing a dynamic, youthful vibe.
Quilting
Quilting sees new shapes and new applications. Adding texture, style, and of course an all important insulating quality, quilting may be used on panels or as a detachable layer to insulate the wearer. Fabric developments at ICW mean that we can now provide a bonded quilting solution, producing a sleek, seam-free garment.
Printed Accessories
Accessories to an outfit are like icing to a cake! Items such as scarves and ties bring an outfit together and offer opportunity for additional branding and customer recognition. Recently we’ve seen a significant move towards printed accessories as these provide the opportunity for a bespoke, brand-specific aesthetic and an eyecatching detail. Using different colour variations of a print can be a great way to distinguish different departments or branches within larger companies whilst retaining uniformity.
By maintaining awareness of changes in the fashion industry and evolving trends we can assure that our design solutions maintain relevance and best suit both the wearer and the brand in a contemporary climate. Inspiration can be taken for design details and styles, ensuring we are always moving forward and offering our clients the latest in innovation and design.
Liz, Design Manager
Kayleigh, Designer
